FOOD NEWS
The Real Reason Honey Never Goes Bad
By Ashley Reut
There's no shortage of ways to use more honey in the kitchen, from salad dressings and cookies to honey-poached fruits and even roast duck — just let your cravings be your guide. Now that you’re inspired, you may be wondering how long honey can last.
Interestingly, honey has a very long shelf life. It readily absorbs moisture from the environment, but since bacteria and other microorganisms that cause mold cannot survive without water, bacteria cannot thrive in properly-sealed honey.
One thing that helps extend honey’s shelf life is that bees have a special enzyme in their stomachs that produces a tiny amount of hydrogen peroxide which keeps bacteria at bay. Honey can be stored in the pantry and does not require refrigeration to stay fresh.